I absolutely loved The Make-Up Test so I was really excited to get to read Howe’s next book. To me, the best parts of this book were the characters. That’s not to say the story itself wasn’t fun and interesting, but the characters were what really hooked me. I absolutely loved Everly. I liked that her journey was less about her self esteem with how she looked and more about learning how to be herself and go for the things she wanted. Her character really resonated with me. Also, LOGAN. I loved him! A grumpy flannel wearing older dog rescuer? Sign me up! I like that he made Everly feel safe to be her best self and also how much he cared about dogs. Jazzy and Stanton were also really fun as the makeover show’s hosts. Overall, I enjoyed the plot, however, it did drag a bit towards the middle. But I loved the ending so much. I think this was such a sweet book about being your most authentic self even when people tell you that it’s too much.
TW: fat phobia, mentions of cancer and death, mentions of pet death, emotional abuse

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

On the Plus Side
Jenny L. Howe
3.5-4⭐️

On the Plus Side was a cute and inspiring read with the perfect mix of sweet/spice. Howe did a wonderful job creating and developing Everly and Logan. He was the perfect cinnamon roll grump to her sunshine. They were so realistic and relatable, you just couldn’t help but love and root for #TeamLoverly .

There was so much self-discovery and growth within and the Positive Fat representation was so well done. Howe hit on difficult topics all while keeping it a light and fun read. Even though I don’t typically watch them, I enjoyed the reality tv aspects. Think What Not to Wear meets Queer Eye.

At its heart it’s a story about acceptance, finding and understanding your worth, and best of all, found family/finding community.

What I enjoyed;
🎥 Positive Fat Rep
🎥 Grumpy/Sunshine
🎥 Slow-Burn Romance
🎥 Quick Whit Banter

Pub Date 12/26/23. Check it out If you’re in the mood for a cute, feel-good romcom that packs a little steamy goodness.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Jenny L. Howe delights in this must-read romance that has a cinnamon roll hero you’ll totally fall for and a sweet heroine you’ll be cheering on as she steps out of the beige to paint her world bright again!
I just love it when a book from an author I have never read before catches my eye and then overdelivers on my expectations.

I am not someone who likes watching reality TV AT ALL but I do love reading romance books featuring reality tv show storylines and that’s what initially caught my eye about On the Plus Side.

Everly Winters finds out that she was been nominated as the next contestant for, On the Plus Side, a reality TV show working to change dialogue around fat representation and take back the negativity surrounded by the word “fat.”

She’s the perfect candidate because she’s changed in recent years from the carefree woman who lived out loud like her plus-size grandmother but who now tries to blend into the background and wants to remain unseen.

What I Loved About On the Plus Side:

Everly’s Transformation
Everly is such a wonderful heroine – someone who’s so down to earth and definitely someone you’d just love to hang out with or have design your own tattoo 😊.

I loved how Howe weaves in her backstory about her close relationship with her grandmother and her strained relationship with her mother without making it all about them. You can absolutely see that there is this beautiful, creative, fun woman who’s hiding herself and therefore depriving the world and herself of all the gifts that she possesses.

Her “makeover” didn’t make her into something she’s not or something “socially acceptable” but focused on bringing out her true self which is the beauty of what that reality tv show is all about. Howe also gave us two co-hosts to adore that helped Everly along the way.

Logan – the Quiet Hero
While Everly was clearly the star of the show (and book!) Logan is another character that absolutely made this story.

Despite being more behind the scenes, literally behind the camera following Everly, his presence and support of Everly was EVERYTHING.

I loved how he was this quiet, grumpy cinnamon roll who totally and utterly supported Everly. And yet, despite his quiet nature, when he chose to engage and speak it was oh so good.

Their banter together was perfect, showing their chemistry and growing feelings for one another. I loved their honesty and the way they just fit.

The Writing
The main characters and storyline are fantastic but the writing is top notch too, making it so effortless to read this book that I never wanted it to end.

Howe made the story just flow with a good moment of conflict that didn’t cause unnecessary drama between Everly and Logan.

If you’re looking for a fun, enjoyable romance with characters you’ll completely fall for a super cute storyline, then you’ll definitely going to want to read On the Plus Side.

It’s right up there with The True Love Experiment as my favorite romance books featuring reality TV shows.
The punny title is just so perfect too.

*Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

On the Plus Side had fat representation, a quietly diverse cast, genuine character growth and depth, and a fun premise. Howe does so much right.

I loved how Everly wanted to fix herself, not just get a man. She wanted to grow as a person. Because we know how romance novels work, we know she gets a man but I loved Howe focusing on Everly growing as a person as much as the relationship.

I loved how realistic Everly’s issues with her mother were. Things weren’t magically fixed because that’s fun for readers. It was messy and complicated and not immediately resolved. It was the start and acknowledged the work they both needed to do to improve things.

Howe did a fantastic job coming up with dog names. Sundae, Ravioli, and Gnocchi are perfect. And, no third act breakup. The big drama comes from somewhere else. I appreciated Howe keeping the good communication going and not going for the formulaic plot point.

A satisfying, feel good romance. Highly recommend. 5/5

I loved this book! The fat representation was fantastic. It felt like a fun light read. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this prior to its release.

I really enjoyed this story!

Everly is a fantastic character - she's plus size and used to blending into the background. However, when the popular makeover show On the Plus Side surprises her at work, she goes on a whirlwind transformation. She learns what she really wants, stands up for herself and becomes a stronger version of herself. And finds love along the trip. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

𝖡𝗈𝗈ƙ 𝖱౿𝗏ꪱᜒ౿⍵
ᝪ𐓣 Τ𝗁౿ 𝖯ᥣυડ 𝖲ꪱᜒᑯ౿
𝖡ɣ: 𝖩౿𐓣𐓣ɣ 𝖫. 𝖧𝗈⍵౿
𝖯υᑲ 𝖣ɑ𝗍౿: 𝖣౿ɕ౿ოᑲ౿𝗋 26, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5

I knew I was going to love this book as soon as it reminded me of the show What Not to Wear! I honestly enjoyed this book so much. For someone that has always been plus size, it’s always been a touchy subject throughout my life. Reading this book though really showed me that there is more than the word “fat” when it comes to a person. Everly is so relatable and inspiring. The romance in this book was so well done and I loved how Jenny tackled topics like family issues, grief, and self expectations. The chemistry between Logan and Everly made my heart swoon!

Overall, this cute, funny, emotional debut by Jenny L. Howe is definitely in my top 3 favorite romance books this year! 🩷

Τ𝗁ɑ𐓣ƙ ɣ𝗈υ @netgalley & @stmartinspress 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗁ꪱᜒડ ɑ𝗋ɕ ꪱᜒ𐓣 ౿𝗑ɕ𝗁ɑ𐓣𝗀౿ ɑ𐓣 𝗁𝗈𐓣౿ડ𝗍 𝗋౿𝗏ꪱᜒ౿⍵.

Everly is chosen to be on the newest makeover hit show, On the Plus Side, and is nervous but oh so excited to start finding herself again. Especially when it means that cameraman Logan gets to follow her around for weeks and she can embarrass and tease him the whole time. But when their chemistry turns real, can they keep their budding relationship safe from the prying eyes of the public or will this show end it before it can truly begin?

I liked this one! Everly starts with being determined to be small and less than because it’s safer but finally gets a backbone thanks to the hosts of the show and her bravery comes in and she comes back to herself. This book also had the greatest steamy to laugh out loud funny moments I’ve read in a LOOOONG time IYKYK

4.7

Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this e-ARC. On The Plus Side reminded me of all my favorite makeover reality shows from when I was a kid. Everly’s story was quite charming and I’m very glad she got her fairy tale ending. Although, more emphasis could have been put on the logistics of the show. An eight-episode ARC for a show with four guests per season was quite unrealistic in my opinion. I’ve never found myself that interested in any Queer Eye guest to want to see so many episodes of them. All in all, a wonderful subversion of reality TV tropes and I very much enjoyed the bearded male lead.

A vitally important, swoons and sexy plus size romance that made me not only want to go through my own closet, but made me smile and giggle and kick my feet. A delightful sophomore release and a wonderful addition to the romance genre!

Jenny Howe does it again! Another wonderful book that kept me turning pages to want to know what happens next. I am so grateful for the early opportunity to read this one. Thank you!

The premise of this was really cute—a tv show dedicated to making over plus size young women without a weight loss angle—but execution was slow and a bit clumsy.

Everly is a character you want to root for at the very outset of this novel, and I loved every second of her story arc. Howe tackles big topics like fat phobia (both external and internal) and self doubt, that surround both of her main characters, without sacrificing any of the romance. A solid supporting and supportive cast of secondary character, with a reality TV twist makes this a super fun read. Thanks to #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my gifted ARC.

Not only is this one of the best romance books I have read all year but is one of the best books with fat representation I have ever read. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt like they were too much.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I know second books can be incredibly challenging, but Jenny L. Howe's On the Plus Side is a hit! I absolutely loved the characters and I am so excited to add a copy to my romance shelves. This one is not to be missed!

Everly loves On The Plus Side (a makeover show that is about more than revamping outside appearances) and is surprised to find out that she’s been nominated for its next season! She jumps in ready to find herself again, but the filming turns out to be a little bit different than she expected.

I loved the idea of this book, unfortunately something about it did not land. I did really enjoy Everly’s journey & loved all the representation!! I just longed to know the characters more deeply and therefore found myself not really caring about the outcome.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.

💙💖 On the Plus Side ARC Review 💖💙

Thank you so much to Jenny L Howe, St Martin’s Griffin and netGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

On the Plus Side is a contemporary standalone romance novel. Everly has always been a bigger girl who is just trying to be invisible in her life. But when she’s unexpectedly chosen to be on her favorite makeover show, On the Plus Side, Everly realizes that she’s capable of standing out instead of fitting in.

This book was such a cute read! Everly was a strong character who had so many relatable moments throughout this book. I absolutely adored the grumpy but sweet cameraman Logan and thought they were wonderful together! While I loved Everly’s perspective, I would have really enjoyed some of Logan’s PoV too! I love shows like What Not to Wear and Queer Eye, and this book had all those vibes!

Overall this was a solid 4 star read! This was a fun story about being authentically yourself no matter what! This book does touch on some heavy subjects, so check triggers if you’re sensitive. This book was a smidge of a slow burn but did have some spicy moments later in the book, so overall two flames for spice

If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with strong women, grumpy men, plus size rep, and great banter, then absolutely pick this one up!

Please Note: Review will be posted on Amazon upon publication

I received a DIGITAL Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. It was such an easy read and it put a giant smile on my face.

I thought that the main characters were great and they had amazing chemistry together. I also really enjoyed seeing Everly go through the motions and gain her confidence back. Seeing her do this through the reality show was fun and the hosts of the show were great.

On the Plus Side is a gift for anyone who has felt like they are too much or not enough; anyone who lets others decide how they feel about themselves; anyone who feels like they have no voice; anyone who feels invisible; who feels like they need to fit into a mold that is uncomfortable and doesn’t allow them to shine. Everly is an amazing character; she is smart and funny and striking, but she has spent years struggling to find her true identity, to be creative, to be more than others wanted or expected her to be. This is a lovely, sweet romance, and Logan is the perfect partner for Everly. But mostly, this is the story of Everly’s metamorphosis, not always a smooth journey, but one that is life-changing and freeing. I loved her so much! She is relatable, authentic and genuine, and I felt like her biggest cheerleader! (Well, me and Logan!) I was fully invested in everything she did, every choice she made, every time she spoke up, every time she shone, every time she showed the world how fabulous she was!! I loved that author Jenny L. Howe has given us a plus-size heroine who is content to go along unnoticed, to appease her mother and society in general, but who is transformed to be exactly who she is meant to be—FABULOUS!

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

Everly Winters is comfortable with her life: with her receptionist job at a marketing firm, with her silent crush on James (the office hottie), with living in the spare bedroom above her brother's garage. After her vivacious and caring grandmother's death, she finds it easier to blend in and stay where she's comfortable rather than pursing her long-dreamed-of career in art or taking a chance by asking James out. However, her life is disrupted when someone nominates her for her favorite reality TV makeover show, On the Plus Side, a Queer-Eye-type show which focuses exclusively on plus-size people. While she's shocked at first, Everly decides she's ready to take a chance on rediscovering her dreams through the help of the bubbly hosts. What she doesn't count on, though, is the distractingly grumpy yet handsome cameraman, Logan. The two unexpectedly grow closer throughout the filming of the show, and ultimately Everly must decide how much she's willing to risk.

I had such high hopes for this book but it was really a letdown for me. First, the positives: I found Everly a very interesting and well-rounded character. It's always refreshing to see fat people represented in romance, and her journey to self-acceptance and rediscovering her dreams felt very authentically portrayed. The vehicle of the reality TV show was a great one to showcase her character's growth.

However, for being a romance, I felt like the male lead, Logan, had no defining characteristics at all. I felt like I knew utterly nothing about him as a character except that he likes dogs. He was very one-dimensional and I didn't understand what was driving the relationship between the two of them. There was just very little emotional depth to their relationship, which is very disappointing for what is being marketed as a contemporary romance novel.

Fans of Julie Murphy and Olivia Dade may want to check this out, but be warned: there's lots of body positivity and self-empowerment here, but very little romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.